Indian calls for stronger trade, relations with Southeast Asian nations

NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says his nation attaches the "highest priority" to its relations with the countries of Southeast Asia.

Singh spoke Thursday at a summit in Delhi between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The meeting was part of India's "Look East" policy that is seen as a counter to China's influence in the region.

Singh said the summit was expected conclude talks for a free trade agreement in services and investments.

He said he hoped India-ASEAN trade would exceed $100 billion by 2015 and $200 billion by 2022.

The two-day summit brought nine national leaders from the region to India.